Introduction
I’m lucky. I’ve dedicated my professional career to the practice of estate planning, business succession planning, and probate litigation. If the hands of time could be rolled back 20 years, and I had a chance to choose a career path all over again, I’d choose to be a trust and estate lawyer. I’ve represented clients from all walks of life, from all over the globe, and from all different backgrounds, both rich and poor. Regardless of race, color, creed, or social status, once the conference room door closes, the magic happens as I get to know my clients. They’ve shared their life story with me—they’ve confided in me and asked me for guidance. And having had the honor of being their counselor for the past 20 years, I’ve learned a bit about life, death, and the fragility of a legacy. I hope now to take the many lessons I’ve learned from my clients, students, friends, and family, and merge it with what I’ve read, watched, and heard, hoping to deliver a meaningful message. Why take your precious time to read my message? First, because I believe you’ll enjoy the experience. Second, and more important, because I think the message could be a game changer for you, your legacy, and those you love. And what qualifies me to deliver this message? I’ll bore you momentarily with a little background.
Fresh out of law school, I was hired by The United States Trust Company of New York. My job as a young trust officer was to administer trusts that were terminating as the result of ...
